Memphis group to retrace March on Washington steps

Reminiscent of the 1963 March on Washington, many gathered to make the long trip to D.C.

(WMC-TV) - A Memphis group is leaving for Washington to commemorate the golden anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s monumental "I Have A Dream" speech.

The campus around the Civil Rights Museum where King's life was tragically taken in 1968 was quiet Thursday night. But earlier in the day it was alive with people who are proud to go and join thousands of others in retracing the steps taken for the civil and human rights of all Americans.

Fifty years ago King gave one of America's greatest speeches with words that have everlasting impact across generations.

"If it wasn't for this March on Washington, I don't believe that I would be right here today ... Standing and having the education that I do have," said traveler Tikia Abram.

Reminiscent of the 1963 March on Washington, many gathered to make the long trip to D.C. Mid-Southerners hope to embrace a moment in time that is forever etched in the hearts and minds of most Americans who lived during the civil rights movement.

"After you've been so many times, it's always like the first time. So when I see the first-time comers coming that makes me feel good to know that they're gonna go again," said Georgia King, who repeatedly makes the trip. "You really are motivated when you leave there to go back into your home, neighborhood and community and do something positive."

Fifteen-year-old Angelica Stewart says she was moved to do her part in the fight for civil and human rights that Dr. King helped start so many years ago.

"It's actually still many incidents as to where it's going on ... So that's why I believe we should be heard and we should stand up for who we are and take pride in what we do," said Stewart.

For those who cannot make it to Washington, D.C. for the 50th anniversary celebration, there will be a Singing the Dream Concert next Wednesday at the Civil Rights Museum to commemorate the day.

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The law goes into effect immediately and the only exceptions are if a fetus has health problems making it incompatible with life outside the womb at full term or if the mother's life or "major bodily function" is threatened by the pregnancy. Pregnancies resulting from rape or incest are not exempt from the new law.

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